[ATM] Re: ATM Melting pitch

[jsgrmfg at gracemfg.com (jsgrmfg@gracemfg.com)]

>now my question is,
>a) which one is better, or is there a better process for forming the pitch

>to the mirror and cutting the lines?
>b) wont the pitch stick to the mirror if it is hot and you push your
mirror
>onto it?

    I have probably tried every lap channeling method ever invented.  The
one
I now use, taught to me by a pro, is fast and easy and works as well as
any.
Just cut in the channels with a single edge razor blade.  Learning to do it
quickly takes some practice but it is well worth the effort.  The lap won't
look
as pretty as a lap made with a mold, but it will work just fine.
    You use soapy water and/or a cerium oxide slurry on the lap to prevent
the mirror from sticking.  These days I use a sheet of baking parchment
between
mirror and lap for initial rough pressing.  Works great.

Jim Sturtevant